The chance to visit the private libraries in Layyah, Mailsi and Rahim Yar Khan is a source of inspiration for book lovers in general and those interested in regional indigenous culture in particular. This includes the small scale private libraries of intellectuals, activists and writers along with massive libraries like Jhandir Library (Mailsi), Mubarak Urdu Library and Ilahi Buksh library in Layyah.
Amongst all the libraries mentioned above, Jhandir Library boasts a collection of nearly 400,000 books. Undoubtedly, it remains one of the most organised libraries within the Seraiki region. The guardians of the famous Jhandir family of Mailsi have invested generations in establishing the library as an institution – from taking special care of rare, handwritten and ancient manuscripts to digitising them. The library has become a hub for hundreds of visitors, academics, researchers, booklovers, and tourists. It is divided between two brothers. A visit to the section maintained under Masud Jhandir’s supervision shed light on the grand halls and marbled corridors well kept by the 91-year-old owner, who is spiritually committed to its maintenance.
Meanwhile, Mian Elahi Buksh Library in Layyah city is still underdeveloped and needs the support of the community for its reorganisation. In addition to books, journals and newspapers, a unique feature of this library is the collection of 3,000 ancient coins and archaeological pieces collected with passion by Mian Elahi Buksh, who travelled to remote areas of Cholistan to collect these pieces. His son Mian Imadad Hussein – who is the caretaker of this library – has also added world stamps to this collection.
Mubarak Urdu Library established in Mohamadabad, tehsil Sadiqabad (district Rahim Yar Khan) by (late) Syed Mubarak Shah Jillani is another rich resource centre. In addition to representing a continuity of his Sufi legacy, this is another well-kept resource centre for those pursuing the passion of reading and research. It boasts a collection of nearly 30,000 books, journals and newspapers, which are in the process of being catalogued and organised. In addition to that, a large collection of coins, old photographs and letters written by Mubarak only add to its legacy. It is a treasure trove for researchers interested in the history of the Seraiki language and identity.
Last but not least, various personal libraries like those maintained by Seraiki writers – such as Aslam Rasulpuri (Rasulpur), Sardar Mumtaz Khan Daha (Mailsi), Siraiki novelist Zafar Lahshari’s family (Mehrabwala), Dilshad Kalanchvi’s library maintained by his daughter and writer Mussarat Kalanchvi – need support and attention.
These libraries belong to a region regarded as a key vote bank by all the power hunting political factions in all the various political regimes in the history of Pakistan. However, there is no hope that any government will play a key role in establishing them if the efforts of the families maintaining these libraries were not there. It raises an important question as to how will the indigenous knowledge travel beyond the local sphere of these literary circles to create a public sphere – which can eventually strengthen the debate surrounding the democratic rights of the Seraiki identity.
